Contracts
The contract that we use, typically B105 for smaller projects including residences and small commercial projects, are from the AIA (American Institute of Architects), have been used due to the generally understood fairness to both sides it provides. The contracts spell out the proposed scope of work, design fees, project phases, time frames/completion dates, payment methods, responsibilities of the architect, responsibilities of the owner, and how issues of conflict if they arise can be resolved. If all is OK with the proposed contract, we would then both sign it. At the time of signing the contract, a fee retainer of 10% of the overall design fee is typically requested to start the design process. The first phase of the design process is called the Pre-Design phase which helps the architect collect all of the pertinent information about the project (program/budget/existing conditions survey/measure existing house/zoning code allowances for the site) and for which the following design phases will be based upon.